Highland Happenings
September 22nd, 2023
Community Connections
A very big thank you to all of the Highland families who attended and volunteered at this year's Oktoberfest. The Education Foundation's annual event is a great way for our entire community to come together to support our school district. Thank you to everyone who attended the first PTA meeting of the year this week. This week also marked the first fun lunch of the year. We are very grateful to be a part of such a supportive school community that always puts our kids first. Congratulations to all of our students who participated in our student council elections, everyone did a great job preparing their posters and speeches. Please feel free to reach out to me at zcraft@dg58.org, or our main office at 630-719-5835 if you have any questions or need any assistance. Take care and have a great weekend.
My Best,
Zac Craft
Principal, Highland School
The 2023-2024 Highland Playbook
Click below to read the 2023-2024 Highland Playbook! You can also find the Highland Playbook on our website: https://www.dg58.org/hg/the-2022-2023-highland-playbook
New Highland Attendance Form
Sign Up for Parent-Teacher Conferences Sept. 28
District 58 invites parents and guardians to sign up for fall 2023 parent-teacher conferences using the online PowerPTC conference signup system starting 11 a.m. Sept. 28, 2023 via PowerPTC.net.
The sign-up window will close Oct. 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
Parent-teacher conferences will be held in person. However, families who require a remote option should schedule their conference in PowerPTC and then change the meeting type from “in person” to “video conference.”
Conferences will take place:
- Preschool through sixth-grade conferences:
- Thursday, Oct. 12 from 4:45-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4:45-8 p.m.
Please view the parent-teacher conference signup guide (para Español: Registro para las reuniones de padres y maestros) to learn how to sign up for a conference using the system, along with other helpful information.
Spark Positivity at Highland!
Dear Highland Families,
Over the past several years the staff at Highland, and across District 58 have been building their knowledge and working to implement the tenets of positive psychology in order to build a stronger school culture that is centered around positivity. This year we are excited to expand this work to all of our students. In order to introduce students to the power of positive thinking, we have created a video version of The Orange Frog by Shawn Achor as retold by Patricia Morgan. The Orange Frog is the tale of a frog named Spark, who is caught between two worlds. Spark is exactly like every other frog in his pond with one notable exception. Spark emerges from a tadpole with a slight but noticeable orange spot. And this orange spot makes Spark feel uncomfortably different. Spark also begins to notice that when he does things that make him feel better, the orange spots increase. Spark is left with a tough decision; be normal, which makes him less noticeable, or continue doing those things that make him happier, more productive, and…more orange.
We are asking families to watch The Orange Frog video with their students at home and talk about the message delivered in the story. You can watch the video by scanning the QR code below. This will help support the work being done by our teachers and staff to promote a positive attitude and create a school culture that is focused on positivity. Please plan to watch the video by September 28th. As always please feel free to reach out to Mr. Craft at zcraft@dg58.org if you have any questions.
Health/Physical Examination & Immunization Record due October 15th
As required by law, all new students, as well as students entering grades K, 2, and 6, must receive health examinations and immunizations and submit completed health forms by October 15th. To learn more check out the Health Services page on the District 58 website.
Thank you to many of the families who have already completed and submitted these forms. In accordance with Illinois law, failure to comply with these requirements by Oct 15 of the current school year, or 30 days following registration for first-time registrants, will result in the student's exclusion from school until such requirements have been met. All sections of the child examination form must be completed including the health history, which must be completed by the parent.
District 58 communicates frequently regarding these requirements as it is our hope to avoid school exclusion for all of our students. If you are in need of additional assistance, our school nurses Mrs. Sweet and Mrs. Morrow, would be happy to assist you in answering questions or connecting you with resources to complete this requirement.
Free Health Clinic!
Band and Orchestra
We are so excited to launch a new year in BAND and ORCHESTRA and begin making music together again! We look forward to seeing returning students and also are thrilled to meet the more than 400 beginners who are starting their musical journey this year!
Lessons will be starting at each elementary school the week of Sept. 11th. In the fall, students will also participate in weekly after school rehearsals to prepare for their concerts! Please watch for an email from your student’s orchestra or band teacher with details about lesson and rehearsal schedules. . Click here to meet your band and orchestra teachers - we look forward to seeing you soon!
Wrestling Returns to Highland!
PTA All Day
Partners in Art
Partners in Art is a great program that allows parents to pair up and present a lesson on a famous piece of artwork, and then lead the class in a brief activity. We provide you with the art along with materials and ideas for your presentation. You don't need prior knowledge of art. The dates and times are flexible; you and your partner will work with the classroom teachers on the date/time that will work for both.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR OCTOBER SESSION ( 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th) and others sessions for all grade levels
For more details and to sign up please go to:
If you have any questions, you may reach out to Fon Boonyapredee (boonfamily2012@gmail.com).
Family Bingo Night
The annual Highland Bingo Night will be held on October 6th! All Highland families are invited to this event, prizes will be provided by the PTA!
Pick one or both sessions: 5:30-6:15 (doors open at 5:15), 6:30-7:15 (doors open at 6:25)
Pre-order pizza by October 3rd here. Snacks and drinks may be be purchased on-site (cash only /small bills appreciated!)
RSVPs encouraged, but not required. Volunteers (5th grade through adults) needed.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Questions? Contact AmandacWiley@gmail.com or Kimberly.Dillon@hotmail.com
Reflections
Reflections: I am Hopeful Because ...
Does your child enjoy art, music, and dance or have an interest in writing, producing films, and taking photos? Encourage them to participate in the Reflections Arts Program! There is also a Special Artist Division for students with a disability. This year’s theme is: I am Hopeful Because ...
Reflections is a tiered arts recognition program, meaning that winning submissions can advance from our local PTA to regional, state and national level competitions.
Entries are due Friday, October 27, to the Reflections box located at Highland’s main office. For entry guidelines, inspiration and more information, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/dupageeastcouncilsite/home Entry forms with further details will also be sent home with students soon.
Please contact Kelly Sturner (kkmoran@gmail.com) with any questions.
Yearbook Cover Contest
Information was sent home this week about the yearbook cover contest! All students are invited to draw a submission. NEW this year: front cover winner will be chosen from grades 3-6 and back cover winner will be chosen from grades K-2! Entries are due October 27th!
Questions? Contact Christina Zycinski clzycinski@gmail.com
Let's Be Social
Keep In Touch
Email: zcraft@dg58.org
Website: DG58.org/HG
Location: 3935 Highland Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, USA
Phone: (630)-719-5835
Facebook: facebook.com/HGHuskies
Twitter: @HGHuskies